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Having studied history at Aberystwyth University, Dafydd began his career with Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales in October 1980 in the Department of Farming and Rural Life at St Fagans National Museum of History

Dafydd became Research Assistant in charge of the National Slate Museum (then the North Wales Quarrying Museum) in 1981. During this time, completed his Doctorate on the subject of "The Slate Quarrying Communities of Caernarfonshire and Meirionnydd, 1911 – 1939.”

He was appointed Keeper of Amgueddfa’r Gogledd (including both the National Slate Museum and the former Oriel Eryri site in Llanberis) in 1988 – a role that was perfect for him, as he explains:

"My connection with the slate industry goes back many years. My Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather were quarrymen so I’ve always had a passionate interest in the industry, and most of all its people, from the outset. I think the people of the slate quarrying areas are the best in the world and the opportunity to work at the National Slate Museum was just ideal for me!”

During his time at the museum he has overseen several exciting developments - including the re-development of the museum in 1998 following a successful funding bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for £1.6 million including the relocation of a terrace of quarrymen’s houses to the museum and restoration of the Scheduled Vivian (V2) Incline to full working order.

The launch of FREE entry in 2001 - saw site figures increase from 30,000 visitors per year to almost 150,000 and there have been several museum anniversaries and celebrations along the way. But perhaps one of the most exciting projects is the recent bid made for World Heritage Designation for the Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales - an application, led by Gwynedd Council, in which he has played a vital role from the outset:

“I have enjoyed my time at the National Slate Museum so very much,’ said Dafydd. “One day is never the same as another and the most recent few months, have, more than any others, shown this. But that variety has really kept me enthralled for the past 40 years. The best thing has been the opportunity to explain the history and importance of this remarkable industry to all our visitors and the even more remarkable history of those who have been, and are, working in it.

“I look forward to 2021 with all the new opportunities it will bring for me but also – hopefully - the announcement of the designation of the slate industry of north Wales as a World Heritage Destination. The National Slate Museum will be at the heart of the interpretation and presentation of the history of this remarkable industry, to a world-wide audience.”

David Anderson, Director General of Amgueddfa Cymru said:
“I am so grateful to Dafydd for his commitment and dedication to the National Slate Museum. His knowledge and love of the industry have proved invaluable at the site over the years and his retirement will leave a space that will be very hard to fill. He has been on the journey of the Museum from its earliest days, and that the Museum is now the leading cultural institution and visitor attraction in North West Wales is due in large part to his leadership of the site. We wish him all the best for the future.”

ENDS

For further information please contact julie.williams@museumwales.ac.uk

Amgueddfa Cymru is a family of seven museums and a collections centre, which are all free to enter thanks to the support of the Welsh Government. Together, it is home to the nation’s art, history and science collections, which will continue to grow so that they can be used and enjoyed by both present and future generations. www.museum.wales

St Fagans National Museum of History which explores the history and culture of Wales, won the Art Fund Museum of the Year 2019.

As a registered charity, Amgueddfa Cymru is grateful for all support. The events and exhibitions programme is supported by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery.

#supportourmuseums                                        
Amgueddfa Cymru has recently launched a crowdfunding campaign to ask for support as they face the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic. Although the museums were closed to the public during lockdown, the work continued with Amgueddfa Cymru providing valuable learning resources for schools, art to field hospitals, and solace and inspiration for everyone through online programmes and activities. https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/cefnogwch-support-amgueddfa-cymru